Artist: Unidentified American Artist, possibly a Student of an Art School.
Title: Life-study Female Nudes.
Dimensions: Plates 4" x 3"; 5" x 4". Sheets 12" x 9".
Edition: The circulation is unknown, but if our assumption is correct, and this is indeed a student work, then the circulation is small.
Date: Mid XX C.
Materials and Techniques: Etching on wove paper.
Watermark: Warren's Olde Style.
Provenance: The Estate of George "Yorgo" Demetrakopoulos; professor, assistant director of the Medieval Institute, and assistant to the dean at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, from 1965-2000.
Condition: Some fingerprints and graphite marks. Some cuts appear along the borderlines due to the intense pressure applied by the board's sharp edges. The signs of aging are appropriate for the time. A detailed condition report is available on demand.
Art Movements, Periods & Schools: American School XX C.
Note: This set includes four proofs from the same plate, each varying in imprint depth and paint application, offering a unique glimpse into the artist's decision-making process as they refine their vision. Additionally, it features a print from a different plate, crafted by the same artist's hand, making it a rare chance to witness the evolution of artistic expression.
Nude Trial Proofs 1 - Standing Nude on Tall Four‑Legged Stool – Proof with Fingerprints and Graphite: A vertical impression showing a nude figure standing, her hands behind her back, while leaning on a high four‑legged stool. The plate has been inked fairly heavily: there is a dark shadow behind the figure, and some plate tone remains on the surface. Fingerprints, smudges and graphite scribbles in the margins indicate this was a working proof.
Nude Trial Proofs 2 - Standing Nude on Stool – Light Proof: A lighter impression of the same composition. The lines of the figure and stool are crisp and clear, with minimal plate tone. This likely represents an early proof printed with less ink or lighter pressure.
Nude Trial Proofs 3 - Standing Nude on Stool – Dark Atmospheric Proof: This is the darkest and most dramatic proof. Thick, rich lines and heavy plate tone give the background a smoky texture; the figure and stool are partly enveloped by tone. Such variations arise when a printer leaves more ink on the plate.
Nude Trial Proofs 4 - Standing Nude on Stool – Landscape Orientation Proof: The same image printed horizontally. When rotated, the figure and stool match the other proofs, but in this state they appear reclining. Moderate inking and subtle plate tone suggest further experimentation, and pencil sketches in the margins reinforce that this sheet was used as a working proof.
Nude Trial Proofs 5 - Seated Nude Study – Proof: A different composition showing a nude model seated on a bench, legs extended and one arm resting behind. Lines are clean and the background has little plate tone. This print is part of the same life‑class series but represents a different pose.